Teresa appeals for return of old St Columba’s School bell
A school bell used to clap for carers has gone missing from its owner’s doorstep, writes Kathie Griffiths.
Teresa Russell was puzzled then disappointed when she discovered the brass bell with its oak handle had disappeared from in front of her Nant Drive door.
Teresa had been using the heavy bell to ring out loud and clear when neighbours got together to applaud NHS and care workers.
Years ago she was involved in a serious road accident and says if it had not been for the NHS she would not have survived so Clap For Carers had special poignancy for her.
Now she hopes her appeal for the bell’s return in The Oban Times will help get it back.
The old St Columba’s Primary School bell was gifted to Teresa when she helped the head teacher move property to the new building, and it was going to be replaced with a push-button version.
‘If someone has taken it as a prank or knows where it’s gone I’d love to get it back. It’s of sentimental value to me.
‘At first I wondered if I’d taken it back inside but I’ve searched high and low and turned the house upside down looking for it and it’s not here so it must’ve been taken,’ she said.
Teresa has been shielding from coronavirus since February and is desperately missing her volunteer work as a meet and greeter at Lorn and
The Islands Hospital with the WRVS.
‘I really miss my volunteering. I loved seeing everyone and anyone who came into the hospital. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get back to it because I’m so high-risk to the virus. To get my bell back would mean a lot to me. It’s sentimental,’ she added.